Matthew 7:1

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:1 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about living righteously in God’s kingdom.

Meaning

The command “Judge not” is often misunderstood. The Greek word krino can mean both “to discern” and “to condemn.” Jesus warns against a hypocritical, self-righteous, condemning attitude, not against all discernment. This teaching encourages humility, compassion, and restraint. Instead of hastily judging others, Jesus calls His followers to consider their own actions and character first.

By saying “that ye be not judged,” Jesus implies that how we judge others has consequences for ourselves. The following verse clarifies this: “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:2). This suggests that harsh judgment invites the same critical evaluation upon ourselves.

This command does not forbid judgment in civil courts by proper magistrates, nor judgment within the church where offenders are called to account according to the rules of the Gospel. It also does not forbid forming an opinion of others’ conduct, as that is unavoidable.

Application

Those who judge others in a condemning way take upon themselves the place of God, usurping His prerogative. We are called to exercise judgment with humility, remembering that we will be judged by the same standard we use toward others.

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine our own hearts before critiquing others. It calls us to humility, recognizing our fallibility and need for grace. As we interact with others, let us be quick to listen, slow to condemn, and ready to extend the same mercy we have received from God.